A Should Win For the Wolves

After a fantastic overtime thriller against the Detroit Pistons, the Wolves now return home with their 20-16 record. In town Wednesday night are the Atlanta Hawks, who have a 5-13 road record and 12-23 overall. In what on the surface looks to be another Timberwolves win, this Minnesota team has not yet reached the point where they can overlook anyone.

Although the Hawks have quite a lot of young talent in Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith and Josh Childress along with some solid veterans in Lorenzen Wright and the underrated Zaza Pachulia, this team still has not found itself. There are some glaring holes in their attack, mainly in their lack of point guards, which makes this a good game at the right time for the Wolves.

Through the Wolves recent run of wins, the still rough spot is in the point guard play. Although Randy Foye eventually saved the day against the Pistons, he looked like a rookie throughout the first three quarters. Foye continues to develop and show promise, yet has some work to do before he will be a solid NBA point guard.

Mike James’ tough season has continued. What hurts when watching James is that you can never doubt that he is giving it his all and wants to do well, but, for whatever reason, it is just not happening on a consistent basis. However, one must give him credit as he talks the talk, but when he does not back up that talk, he admits that he is not playing up to expectations and continues to work.

Due to the weaknesses in the Hawks point guard attack, this can hopefully be a game where James and Foye can find where they’re most effective in this offense. Without overlooking this team, the Wolves should be able to work on the areas which need to be improved before the rematch with the Pistons on Friday.

After the Pistons game Friday, Minnesota will need to be on their best game. That five game Western road swing is approaching.